Thallium(I) chloride

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Thallium(I) chloride
Image:Thallium(I) chloride.jpg
General
Other names	thallium monochloride thallous chloride
Molecular formula	TlCl
Molar mass	209.82 g/mol
Appearance	white, odorless crystalline
CAS number	[7791-12-0]
Properties
Density and phase	7.004 g/cm3, solid
Solubility in water	insoluble
Melting point	430 °C
Boiling point	720 °C
Hazards
Main hazard	toxic
NFPA 704
Related compounds
Thallium compounds	thallium(I) bromide thallium(I) sulfate
Other metals	Silver chloride
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Thallium(I) chloride is the chemical compound with the formula TlCl. This colourless solid is an intermediate in the isolation of thallium from its ores. Typically, a sulfuric acid solution of thallium(I) is treated with HCl to precipitate insoluble TlCl. This solid crystallizes in the caesium chloride motif.^[1]

The low solubility of TlCl is exploited in chemical synthesis: treatment of metal chloride complexes with TlPF₆, gives the corresponding metal PF₆^- derivative. The resulting TlCl precipitate is separated by filtration of the reaction mixture. The overall methodology is similar to the use of AgPF₆, except that Tl⁺ is non-oxidizing.

[edit] Safety

Thallium compounds are highly toxic, comparable to the effects of lead and mercury. The usual antidote is Prussian Blue.

[edit] References

1. ^ Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.

[edit] External links

• Links to external chemical sources